Good Morning!Since Mother’s day comes in the month of May, we are going to study some of the Women in the Bible.

EVE -- THE MOTHER OF ALL LIVING:Genesis 2:18. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 3:20. And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

The greatness of Eve does not lie in what she did but in what she was. This first woman was the mother of the human race. As such she set the pace for the first marriage, the first home and the first child. Humanity should look to her as the fulfillment of God’s command to multiply and replenish the earth. Eve sets before us both a good and bad example. As obedient to the divine directives to build the family, she sanctifies the ideas of life in the home and family unit. As disobedient to the command of God in regard to the forbidden fruit, she shows the awful results of sin and its consequences.

The story of the great opportunity is also the record of extreme tragedy. The first human sin was conceived in the heart of Eve. She sinned and influenced her husband to join her in corrupting the nature of man. Thus humanity was polluted. No innocent members of the race remained. And all born subsequently to some degree were victims of this awful crime. She was the mother of all sinners.

God in His mercy restored the sinful pair and promised that woman would have part in redemption. Enmity would indeed rage between the serpent and the offspring of Eve in every generation. Yet, One would be born of a woman who would bruise the serpent’s head and set the captives free. In the birth of the Christ-child, woman rises to a new height in being used of God to bring blessing and salvation to mankind. But even so, Jesus beckoned to a higher blessedness opened to all regardless of sex in the moral and spiritual realm of obedience to the word of God (Luke 11:28). God has designed woman to be a helper and a companion and that is where she fits best.

Good Morning!Sarah laughed at God’s promise, but discovered that it was true. God is faithful to His promises.

SARAH -- THE MOTHER OF A NATION:Genesis 17:15. And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. 16. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. 17. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? 18:14. Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Abraham’s change of name and nature (Genesis 17:4) also meant a change for Sarai. And what a change! From Sarai (contentious), her nature and name were changed to Sarah (princess). With her new name came a new promise. God was going to make something out of Sarah. She was to be on exhibition as the Mother of a Nation. Many kings and princes would rise up and call her blessed because they would trace their origin to her.

Sarah found relief from the bondage of her doubts in the glorious freedom of God’s promise. But her pilgrimage was not an easy one. As she viewed the natural course of events, it seemed totally impossible to have an heir who was her own son.

Even Abraham, her husband saw the ridiculousness of it. But God had promised. When God’s penetrating question searched her soul, Sarah saw beyond the earthly to the heavenly, “Is anything too hard for God?” Can anything stop the Almighty’s purpose?

When we really face reality, nothing is too hard for God. No problem we face, no doubt that arises, no sorrow is too great for His mighty power of His comforting care. What God says, He will do. We can always depend on that.

Good Morning!Miriam was the sister of both Moses and Aaron. She was older than both of them and was God’s agent in saving the infant Moses’ life (Exodus 2:4-8)

MIRIAM—A WOMAN OF SONG:Exodus 15:19-2. For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. 20. And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Miriam was Moses’ sister. When Moses’ mother had to put him in the river in his basket-bed it was Miriam who watched. She watched to be sure that nothing bad happened to him. When the Egyptian princess found him Miriam ran and brought Moses’ own mother to help the princess take care of him.

Miriam could easily have been jealous of her younger brother Moses. He had become an Egyptian prince and had been raised in a palace. Many years later God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. As they ran from the Egyptians, God saved them by making a road through the Red Sea. God’s people got safely across but all the Egyptians were drowned. Moses and all the people sang a song to God.

Although Miriam was not called to do the great work for God, she was still willing to use her special talent in thanking God for his care. When the children of Israel were safely across the Red Sea, Miriam led the others in worshipping God through music.

We too can use our talents as Miriam did. We may not be called to preach or be a leader in the Church, but we can do our part in worshipping the Lord through music. Music is a means of communication with God. We can say things through music which cannot be expressed by words alone.

Good Morning!Rahab illustrates true faith in that what she had heard about the God of Israel resulted in good works.

RAHAB -- A WOMAN OF FAITH:Joshua 2:1. And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

It was Rahab’s choice rather than her past that defined her for all time to come. When the Israelites under Joshua crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, their access to the heart of the country was blocked by the fortified city of Jericho. Joshua sent two spies to look over the city. They were discovered, the city gates were closed, and the city guard set out on a house-to-house search to arrest them. The two spies found refuge in the house of Rahab. When the spies appeared at Rahab’s door she was faced with a choice. She could turn them in or hide them. Rahab chose to hide them, but only after making a bargain with them. Rahab’s dialog with the spies reveals clearly that the people of Canaan knew what God had done for His people, and were terrified at the appearance of the Israelites on their borders.

Rather than resist God, Rahab was determined to commit herself into His care. And so she bargained. Rahab would protect the spies, but when Israel took Jericho, the Israelites promised to spare Rahab and her immediate family. The spies made this commitment, and Rahab made sure that they safely escaped.

Four women are mentioned in Matthew’s list of Christ’s ancestors. One of them is Rahab, who in her life before becoming a member of the Old Testament community of faith was a pagan who is called a harlot. It is well for us to remember that it is not people’s past that defines them. Rather people are defined by the choice they make when they become aware of who God is.

Good Morning!A servant’s prayer for divine leading was answered, and Rebekah was identified as God’s choice of a bride for Isaac.

REBEKAH—GOD’S CHOICE OF A BRIDE FOR ISAAC:Genesis 24:50.Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. 51.Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken.

Rebekah was the daughter of Abraham’s relative. When it came time for Isaac to marry, Abraham sent a servant on the long journey to Haran, where the family still lived, to negotiate for a bride for Isaac.. Genesis 24. describes the servant’s negotiation on Abraham’s behalf and the response of her brother and father.

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from the Lord; we cannot speak to you either bad or good. Here is Rebekah before you, take her and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as the Lord has spoken” (Genesis 24:50-51). If we were to stop here, we would see only a reflection of the law and custom that made women objects to be bartered by their men. But the story does not stop here. The Genesis account goes on,

So they said, “We will call the young woman and ask her personally.” Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men (Genesis 24:57–59).

The fascinating point in this narrative account is the fact that, while the family conducted the marriage negotiations, they still consulted Rebekah. The text seems to imply that Rebekah could have refused to go with the servant, even though the brothers were willing to contract her marriage to Abraham’s son. Once again we’re reminded that the nature of relationships existing within the family had a great impact on a woman’s experiences. While law and custom gave a father or brothers the right to marry off their daughter or sister, in reality a young woman’s wishes might be taken into account.

Good Morning!Rachel also reminds us that despite disappointment we can be a blessing to others.

RACHEL WAS THE BELOVED WIFE OF JACOB:Genesis 29: 16. And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17. Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. 18. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. 19. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. 20. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

Rachel, like her great-aunt Sarah and her aunt Rebekah before her, was a woman of great beauty. As a shepherdess, she was probably physically fit from walking many miles each day and doing the many other physical tasks that went with that occupation. Because she was lovely and a hard worker, she was undoubtedly well liked by those around her. She grew up feeling accepted and loved. When Jacob came on the scene, he loved her too.

It must have been difficult for Rachel when she realized that the man she loved and had waited seven years to marry had been given to another woman. She would never have him to herself. She was the beloved wife, but she always had to share Jacob with her sister. And how painful it must have been when her sister bore child after child until she had borne seven, and yet Rachel’s body was barren. Then, at last, she was blessed with Joseph. How her heart must have rejoiced as she held him in her arms.

And then she conceived again! But both her hopes and she herself died giving birth to her second son, leaving Leah to be the sole wife of the man she loved. No wonder she named that infant, Son of My Sorrows. (We know him as Benjamin.) Rachel reminds us again that being beautiful does not bring contentment. Nor does a loving husband guarantee happiness. In the end, only an intimate relationship with our God can provide true contentment. All other things may fail us, and to the extent we pin our hopes on them, we will remain unfulfilled and hurting.

Good Morning!We can see in Leah’s experience that God blesses each of us in different ways. We need to praise Him for the gifts He gives us and not mourn for what we do not have.

LEAH—Genesis 29:22. And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 23. And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. 25. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? 26. And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this (Rachel) also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.

Leah’s name means “wild cow.” This is not exactly an attractive appellation with which to brand a young lady, especially in Old Testament times when names were chosen to capture something of the essence of the one named. The only physical description we have of Leah is that her eyes were “delicate.” Did this mean extremely light sensitive? That remains uncertain. However, what is sure is that while Sarah and Rebekah and her sister Rachel are all described as beautiful, Leah’s weak eyes are highlighted, and she is given the unfortunate name, Wild Cow.

Personal attractiveness is something Leah learned to live without. But her character and her relationship with God did develop. Leah learned to pour out her grief to God. Leah wanted her husband to love her, and she wanted children. While God didn’t change Jacob’s heart, God did love Leah.

In the end, Leah felt God’s love, and also felt vindicated. Her seven biological children and her two surrogate children surrounded her, and she at last experienced the love of a family who did not care that she was the sister with weak eyes. Leah’s life reminds us that people are overly impressed by appearance. Sometimes it seems that God alone seems to care about what He sees in the heart. Yet from Leah we learn to keep our focus on God. He, not the spouse we love, is the one stable force in our existence.

Good Morning!Jochebed stands as a reminder to parents never to lose faith that God will work in the lives of their children.

JOCHEBED —THE MOTHER OF MOSES: Numbers 26:59. And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. Exodus 2:1. And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

Jochebed was of the family of Levi, the third son of Leah and Jacob. She married her brother Kohath’s oldest son, Amram. They had three children, Miriam, Aaron, and Moses, all of whom distinguished themselves among God’s chosen. Jochebed hid Moses for three months. When she realized it would be too difficult to conceal him any longer, she devised a plan to hide him in a floating basket.

Her plan succeeded and, thanks to the quick-thinking of Miriam, Jochebed was able to continue nursing and nurturing her son and even was paid for it (Exodus 2:9). She was his primary caregiver and influenced Moses for the first three to four years of his life. During these years, Jochebed infused a lasting sense of identity with God’s people in her son. Then she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. The princess “called his name Moses, saying, ‘Because I drew him out of the water’ ” (Exodus 2:10).

To save his life, Jochebed had to give up Moses to a foster mother. Then he lived in exile for forty years before God’s time to use him arrived. Moses was eighty when God spoke to him from the burning bush. It is probable that Jochebed had died before Moses came out of exile. But God, in His grace and in His time, had allowed her to have an intimate and special relationship with Moses. And God had him lead His people out of bondage and through the wilderness for forty years before finally bringing them to the edge of the Promised Land.

Good Morning!Deborah’s special relationship with God made her the acknowledged leader of the Israelite tribes.

DEBORAH –A PROPHETESS AND A JUDGE:Judges 4:4. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 5. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

Deborah was a woman whose confidence was rooted in a close personal relationship with God and in her awareness that God had chosen to use her to guide His people. It is certainly true that Deborah’s role was not a typical role for a woman in a strongly patriarchal society. Yet Deborah clearly did not draw back, concerned about what others might think. Deborah had heard God speaking to her, and she was willing to put herself forward only because she knew that God had also chosen to speak through her.

At the same time, Deborah was sensitive to the limitations that her sex seems to have placed on her. Deborah would settle disputes, like any other judge, but Deborah would not lead the army. The military role was one God chose to give to Barak, and Deborah clearly concurred. In fact, Deborah was not even comfortable with the role Barak insisted she fulfill. She would have preferred it if Barak had simply trusted God and gone off to battle without her. Deborah neither needed nor wanted any credit for the victory.

What an unusual combination of traits Deborah displayed! She was self-confident and assertive, and yet modest and self-effacing. She was bold enough to step out of the shadows in which most women of her time lived, yet she was unassuming enough to seek to avoid the spotlight in a military campaign whose results would define her own leadership. In displaying these qualities Deborah stands as a timeless example for spiritual leaders of either sex. Deborah reminds us that God does gift women for spiritual leadership. We do violence to the Scriptures if we rule women out of leadership solely on the basis of gender.

Good Morning!We should hardly be surprised that Naomi was such a powerful influence in Ruth’s life. People who truly and selflessly love others have a tendency to draw those others to them and through them to the Lord.

NAOMI – A GRACIOUS IN-LAW:Ruth 1:3. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. 4. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. 5. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

Naomi would return to Judah and seek aid from her relatives. Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return to their fathers’ households, where they would be supported until they could remarry. Orpah followed Naomi’s advice, but Ruth insisted on staying with her mother-in-law. The loyalty and support she offered Naomi proved to be the turning point in her own life.

Naomi’s name, “pleasantness,” is suggestive. She cared for her daughters-in-law and earned their love and loyalty. Even Orpah, who chose to remain in Moab, wept when she left Naomi to return home. We can sense in Naomi an especially generous spirit. Although alone, she urged her daughters-in-law to think of their own future rather than Naomi’s welfare. Back in Judah, Naomi felt a deep responsibility to Ruth and determined to “seek security” for her, “that it may be well with” you (Ruth 3:1).

Naomi is a wonderful example of how to evangelize. She didn’t try to talk Ruth to faith. Instead she loved Ruth and lived a life that Ruth recognized was worth emulating. Ruth wanted the peace, character, and loving-kindness she saw displayed in her mother-in-law’s life. Naomi is a glorious reminder of how God can make one of the least likely to be remembered into someone who will never be forgotten. When we feel insignificant we can remember how God used a starving widow to win a woman to faith who became an ancestress of Jesus Christ.

Good Morning!The Book of Ruth is a rich source of insights into healthy interpersonal relationships. It reminds us that even during the dark days of the judges, godly men and women could and did live blessed and happy lives.

RUTH’S RELATIONSHIP TO NAOMI AND TO GOD:Ruth 1:16. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17. Were thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. 18. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

The first chapter of Ruth makes it clear that Ruth deeply loved and appreciated her mother-in-law. That love was expressed in a loyalty that surpassed all other ties. Rather than return to her father’s home, and stay in her own country, Ruth chose to accompany Namoi into an uncertain future in a strange land.

To see how Ruth’s commitment to her mother-in-law continued to work itself out is fascinating. For Ruth, Judah was a strange land, with unfamiliar customs. But in Naomi Ruth had a mentor and she wisely followed her advice. The two women had returned at harvest time. Old Testament Law provided that the poor and landless could gather food in fields owned by others. That law said, “When you reap the harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands” (Deut. 24:19). Naomi sent Ruth out to gather grain that the harvesters missed, a process called gleaning.

Ruth allowed herself to be guided by her mother-in-law in the selection of a potential husband. Ruth realized that he was a man of quality and she followed her mother-in-law’s advice. In every way Ruth showed herself to be loyal, hard-working, sensible, and responsive to Naomi’s advice. Boaz married Ruth. The marriage was blessed with a son, and that son became the grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Good Morning!In surrendering our heart’s desire to God, we discover joy; in truth only God can satisfy our deepest needs.

HANNAH –THE MOTHER OF SAMUEL:1 Samuel 1:9. So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. 10. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 11. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

When Eli first saw Hannah she was in the tabernacle, praying desperately. Her prayer was so passionate that Eli assumed from her actions that she was drunk, and he rebuked her. When Hannah explained that she was praying, Eli blessed her. (1 Sam. 1:12–17, 24–28). Hannah was not making a bargain but a vow. Four times in the Old Testament a vow made to the Lord is identified with a freewill or voluntary offering (Lev. 7:16; 22:21; Num. 15:3; Deut. 12:17).

When Samuel was born, Hannah was truly delighted and thankful. Hannah expressed a sense of joy when the day came for her to keep her vow and lend Samuel to Eli and the Lord. As we read Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 we discover that, far from being heartbroken at Samuel’s surrender, Hannah was filled with joy. She said, “My heart rejoices in the Lord” (1 Sam. 2:1), and throughout her prayer of praise Hannah exalted God and all His works. In surrendering her heart’s desire to God, Hannah found her heart filled, not emptied!

Undoubtedly Hannah missed Samuel, but she was busy and fulfilled, for “the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters” (2:21). And Hannah knew that the son she had loaned to the Lord would become great, for while Samuel was still a child he began to prophesy, “And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord” (1 Sam. 3:20).

Good Morning!David clearly saw Abigail as a person who could complement his own strengths and balance his weaknesses.

ABIGAIL TRULY WAS GOD’S MESSENGER TO DAVID:1 Samuel 25:32. And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: 33. And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. 39. And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. 40. And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife.

Even though Nabal was a very rude person, Abigail suggested to David that killing Nabal would be unwise politically. She invited David to look ahead to the time when the Lord would make Him “ruler over Israel” (v. 30). She urged him to hold back now so that then “this will be no grief” to him. If David is to rule a united Israel, how foolish it would be to alienate one of the tribes of Israel by murdering one of its members!

Abigail’s speech, then, although brief, is filled with subtle argument, the wisdom of which David immediately recognized. His response to Abigail was, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!” (v. 32). Abigail truly was God’s messenger to David and even more—David’s counselor. David, a strong man, was not offended by the words of this wise woman. He recognized her strengths and deeply appreciated them.

When Nabal, Abigail’s husband died a few days later. (1 Samuel 25:38), David “sent and proposed to Abigail, to take her as his wife” (v. 40). Abigail eagerly accepted David’s proposal and she “became his wife” (v. 42). Abigail was a type of the Holy Spirit working to hold us back from doing very rash thing which we could be sorry for later.

Good Morning!Let us remember that God can use those outside the faith to help believers.

THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH:1 Kings 17:8. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 9.Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. 10. So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 11. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. 13. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. 14. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. 15. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

The widow of Zarephath was in poverty and showed both courage and a growing faith. She was aware of Israel’s God, and immediately she recognized Elijah as a worshiper of His. Her readiness to feed Elijah when He made a promise in God’s name showed that the widow had some confidence in Him. At the same time, she showed a limited understanding of what God was like.

When her son sickened and died, the widow jumped to the conclusion that God was punishing her for past sins. Elijah’s miracle restoring her son to life did two things for the widow. It strengthened her faith in God as Elijah interpreted His word to her. It also taught her that God is a God rich in grace and forgiveness for those who trust Him.

Jesus referred to the widow of Zarephath when speaking in the synagogue in his hometown. (Luke 4:26-27). Jesus confronted His neighbors concerning their lack of faith in Him and reminded them that although there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, God sent Elijah to a woman of Sidon, a pagan. This reminder that God had shown special compassion for the pagan widow aroused the anger of Jesus’ neighbors. Yet it clearly reflects the wonderful truth that God has always cared for the lost of every nation and has compassion for all.

Good Morning!Let us remember that children can witness to others about Jesus.

NAAMAN’S WIFE’S SLAVE GIRL:2 Kings 5:1. Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. 4 And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

This young girl is another of the unnamed but special person of the Bible. She was captured as a child when the Syrians raided Israel, and as a young girl she waited on the wife of Naaman, an important Syrian military officer who had leprosy.

One day the girl remarked, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:3). The wife told Naaman what the girl had said, and Naaman set out for Israel.

Naaman’s miraculous healing led to his becoming a worshiper of the Lord. It all began with the testimony of a young girl who had faith in God and confidence in the power of God’s prophet. It was her words which set in motion the whole process of Naaman’s healing.

Too often adults fail to pay attention to children. We need to remember Christ’s admonition: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Often in Scripture the lowly are exalted above the high and mighty. Let’s watch out that we do not think of ourselves as better than others. Jesus tells us that the first will be last and the last first. If we fail to humble ourselves in this life, we will surely be humbled in the life to come.

Good Morning!Mordecai reminded Esther that perhaps God had made her to be queen to meet the challenge that Haman posed to her people.ESTHER STEPPED OUT IN FAITH:Esther 2:8. So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9. And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

When we first meet Esther she is a young girl of marriageable age living in Mordecai’s household. She is selected as one of the empire’s beauties, to be considered by the king as a possible queen. It is significant that when Esther was chosen and placed in the royal women’s quarters to undergo a year of training and beauty treatments she quickly won the allegiance of Hegai, the custodian of the women.

When Esther had been selected by the king to become his queen, Esther maintained contact with her uncle Mordecai and sought his advice. When Mordecai uncovered a plot to murder the king, Esther passed the information on to Ahasuerus, giving credit to her source.

When Mordecai informed Esther of the danger Haman posed to the Jewish people and urged her to intercede with the king, Esther was afraid. The king had not called for her in over a month, and if she should go to him uninvited, he might be angered and have her executed.

After consideration, Esther asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews in the capital city to fast for three days. Esther and her maids fasted also. Esther found in her faith the courage to approach the king and appeal to him. And her appeal was successful. Because of the great deliverance she won for the Jewish people, her courage is commemorated in an annual celebration called the Feast of Purim, and Jewish women’s groups everywhere have adopted Esther’s Jewish name, Hadassah.

Good Morning!Mary’s simple faith and readiness to do God’s will without thought of herself, stands as a testimony to her faith. She is an example for all believers, men and women alike.

MARY-- THE MOTHER OF JESUS:Luke 1:26. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Mary’s humility (1:26–30). Gabriel’s greeting troubled Mary. Mary was not frightened at the appearance of the mighty angel; she was troubled at the “manner of greeting” (v. 29). What Gabriel had said was, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’” (v. 28).

Mary had never thought of herself as special. She was simply a devoted young Jewish girl. She worshiped God, as did her family and friends in the little town of Nazareth. But “‘highly favored” and “blessed . . . among women”? She would not have used words like that to describe herself.

Like Moses, Mary could be described as “very humble” (see Num. 12:3). The humility it had taken Moses some eighty years to achieve was native to the young Jewish girl. Later she would describe herself as the “handmaiden of the Lord” (Luke 1:38). Mary simply saw herself as a person who loved God and who was privileged to serve Him any way she could. To her pure mind this hardly made her special; every human being owed that to the Creator. It is no wonder Mary was troubled at his greeting. What could this mighty angel mean? What could she possibly have done to have “found favor with God” (v. 30)?

Good Morning!In Elizabeth we see a mature believer whose years of disappointment deepened rather than destroyed her faith

ELIZABETH –THE MOTHER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST:Luke 1:5. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. 14. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Elizabeth was the wife of a priest named Zacharias. She was selected by God to give birth to John the Baptist whom Jesus called the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. John met the conditions necessary to be identified as the prophet whose appearance preceded the establishment of God’s earthly kingdom (Malachi 4:5, 6).

Elizabeth and Zacharias had a warm and loving relationship. They were old and childless. Yet, through many long years the two had clung together. We are told that the angel said to Zacharias, “Your prayer is heard” (Luke 1:13). Despite the couple’s age Zacharias had not ceased praying for a child, which was so important to every Jewish woman. Zacharias’s continuing prayer indicates not only his love for Elizabeth but also the couple’s continuing trust in God.

A final indication of the nature of Elizabeth’s relationship with Zacharias is found in verses 59–64. Elizabeth announced that her newborn child’s name was to be John. The surprise of the guests at the circumcision reflects that most children were named after a relative. Zacharias’ confirmation of the name announced for the infant by the angel (1:13) simply reflects that this couple lived in complete harmony. When Mary visited Elizabeth during the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Elizabeth realized that Mary had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah. Elizabeth rejoiced at Mary’s calling. Such selfless action is an exhibition of a special grace.

Good Morning!Mary Magdalene was healed of demon possession, and from that point on she never wavered in her commitment to Jesus.

MARY MAGDALENE A FAITHFUL FOLLOWER OF JESUS:Luke 8:2. And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, Luke 24:1. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 8. And they remembered his words, 9. And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 10. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

Mary Magdalene was a woman whose life had been transformed by Jesus. He had delivered her from seven demons that dominated her. Mary totally dedicated herself to Jesus and His cause. She joined the group of women who accompanied Jesus as disciples. She was mentioned first during Christ’s early Galilean ministry, and she was still with Jesus at the crucifixion.

While most of the men who were Jesus’ followers fled after His capture on the Mount of Olives, Mary and the other women stayed close to the Savior and were with Him when He died. Mary and her friends openly identified with Jesus, standing near the cross and waiting by the garden tomb. When the holy days had passed, they brought the supplies needed to prepare His dead body. However hopeless Mary may have felt, she remained faithful to the end.

Mary was among the first to hear of Jesus’ resurrection and she was the first to see and speak to the risen Lord. It is forever stamped on the pages of sacred history that it was not a man, but Mary, who was granted this great privilege. We can hardly doubt that Mary Magdalene, although overlooked by many who stress the roles of Peter and John, was among the most faithful and honored disciples of Jesus Christ.

Good Morning!If we really want to get hooked up to the source of power, we must reach out and touch Jesus. His power truly is unlimited and is available to all who will reach out in faith.

THE WOMAN WITH AN ISSUE OF BLOOD:Mark 5:25. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26. And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

She had had an issue of blood for twelve years. The woman had tried desperately to find a cure. Mark bluntly reports that she “had suffered many things from many physicians” and “had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse” (Mark 5:26). Over and over, this woman had likely felt brief moments of hope, only to be cast deeper into despair.

Yet despite a dozen years of disappointments, she had not lost her faith in God. Undoubtedly the stories about Jesus had fanned her faith even more, for when she heard Jesus was in the city, she set out to find Him, thinking, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (Mark 5:28).

So she touched Him. And, “immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction” (Mark 5:29). Jesus sensed that healing power had flowed from Him and He stopped. He turned to the crowd that pressed in around Him and asked, “Who touched My clothes?” (Mark 5:30). Fearful and uncertain, the woman fell before Him and told her story. What relief must have flooded her soul as she heard Jesus say, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34).

Good Morning!Mary and Martha were so different; yet, they had so much in common. They remind us that whatever our personality type, we are able to love and serve Jesus in our own way and that Jesus loves and values us as well.

MARY AND MARTHA OF BETHANY:John 11:5. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister (Mary), and Lazarus.

Martha and Mary were quite different persons. Yet they were members of the same family and lived together in harmony. Their differences did lead to irritations and disputes, but they were family. They were bound together by family ties and by a common faith and love for Jesus.

Martha was one of those dependable persons we can count on to do what’s needed. We see her working in the kitchen and serving. She was a worker, task oriented sometimes to the extreme. Martha was a significant person in the family and her contribution to its well being was vital.

We must not mistake Martha’s practical approach for a lack of faith. The text protects us from this misunderstanding by reporting Martha’s affirmations of faith in Christ, and by making it clear that “Jesus loved Martha” (John 11:5). Mary on the other hand was a freer spirit. Her first priority was spending time with Jesus—not cooking in the kitchen. Mary was spiritually sensitive, displaying an awareness of Jesus’ moods that none of the disciples seemed to have. Mary was also emotionally expressive, weeping freely, and loving generously. While John wanted us to understand that Jesus loved Martha, He also loved her sister.

There is room for different personality types in Christ’s kingdom. Indeed, God made us all different with our own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s be careful not to force other believers into our molds, assuming that our personality is “Christian” and theirs is not. Instead we need to learn from one another because Christ is speaking to us through all our brothers and sisters.

Today’s First Thoughts May 26, 2010Good Morning!Salome and her sons learned an important lesson that we would do well to remember. The desire to appear prominent is based in our humanity. Putting others before ourselves is a sign of spiritual growth for we are called to be like Jesus.

SALOME – THE MOTHER OF JAMES AND JOHN:Matthew 20:20. Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Salome was married to Zebedee and was the mother of the disciples James and John. Salome had known Jesus from the beginning of His public ministry. After Jesus’ baptism, He had spent time in Capernaum, the hometown of Peter, James and John. Jesus was a familiar figure in the home of Peter and Zebedee. Salome would have known the young Teacher from nearby Nazareth through her two sons. Undoubtedly Jesus had visited Zebedee’s home and eaten there with His friends (Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19–20; Luke 5:10).

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom” (Matthew 20:20, 21).

Salome was at the cross with the other women who were Jesus’ most faithful followers. Salome was also among those who carried spices to the garden tomb that first Easter morning only to discover that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Salome was one of those disciples who had followed Jesus from the beginning and who continued with Him to the end. (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; 16:1).

LYDIA—THE FIRST CONVERT OF PAUL IN EUROPE:Acts 16:14. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. 40. And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Lydia was the first of Paul’s converts in Europe after he crossed from Asia Minor into Macedonia. Women had more freedom in Macedonia than in other parts of the Roman Empire, so it is not surprising that Paul should meet an independent and successful businesswoman there. It is not even surprising that Lydia, a Jewish “seller of purple” should have moved there from Thyatira, famous for its purple dye.

What is unusual is that Paul, trained as a Pharisee, should have been willing to launch a local church with a group of women. For when Paul found no synagogue in Philippi, on the Sabbath he went to a spot on the riverbank where Jewish women gathered to pray. These women, possibly Lydia and her employees, responded to the gospel, were baptized, and formed the core of the first Christian church in Europe, which long remained one of Paul’s favorite churches. Lydia then invited the apostles to stay at her home and make it the base from which to evangelize the city.

After being released from prison, Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s home. In stating that “when they had seen the brethren” there, Luke makes it clear that the church met in Lydia’s home. Clearly Lydia, a woman, continued as a central figure in the local Christian church.

Good Morning!Aquila and Priscilla explained the way of God to Apollos more accurately

PRISCILLA AND AQUILA WERE TENTMAKERS: Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 18. And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 26. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Luke introduced Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who had been expelled from Rome with other Jews and had recently settled in Corinth. When Paul arrived he stayed with this couple. Later, when Paul moved to Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila moved their Tent Making Business to that city. The couple stayed in Ephesus when Paul moved on.

Luke reports a particular incident concerning this couple that highlights their teaching ministry. Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24–26).

Luke wants us to see Priscilla as a teacher. What is more, she is portrayed teaching Apollos, a man with a deep understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures. Priscilla was equipped for teaching the deep things of the gospel not simply the basics.

Good Morning!Mary was blessed by having a son who recorded the story of the life and ministry of Jesus.

MARY—THE MOTHER OF JOHN MARK:Acts 12:12. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Mary is identified as the mother of John Mark the author of the second Gospel. Luke reports that “many were gathered together praying” in Mary’s house. This indicates an unusually large Jerusalem residence and marks Mary as a well-to-do and influential woman. This is no doubt the home where Jesus and His Twelve disciples ate the Passover supper, and also where they all were gathered together on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out (Acts 2). So it seems that Mary was a prominent member of the early New Testament Church.

We do know that she had a brother named Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) who was wealthy (Acts 4:36-37, and sold some of his possessions and gave it to the Church. And he also played a very important role in the life of the Apostle Paul, and was one of the first missionaries sent out by the early Church. Mary was one of many who used their resources to help further the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This family was a great help to the Church when it was just getting started.

No doubt Mary, along with her son John Mark, was among the 120 who received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and had their names added to God’s honor-role. That role consists of thousands who contributed in some manner to the Gospel whom we have no record of here on earth, but are written in heaven by the hand of God.

Good Morning!How many times have our minds, our intentions, our purpose, been changed by some moving thought or circumstance?

PILATE’S WIFE:Matthew 27:19. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Pilate's wife comes to us from a single sentence, we see her for a moment, her footsteps come and are gone so swiftly. Her life and her voice is silent again after this one very moving sentence. She is the only one who took a stand for the defense of our Lord. She was a Gentile, a heathen from most standards.

We want to attempt to find the reason for Pilate's wife's sudden intrusion into the Bible Story. Almighty God has complete control and continual command, of all the avenues that lead into the soul of man. He sends his message to the soul at the time, and the way that seems wisest and best to him.

Once again God on that fateful night, and early morning before the Crucifixion of our Lord, takes charge of the mind and soul of one of his earthly creatures. A message was divinely sent to convey a lesson to Pilate through his wife, who alone, perhaps, was able to arouse the better feelings of his heart. This was another warning given to Pilate to arrest him in his criminal cowardice.

The message was urgent, why did she not deliver it herself? Pilate's Wife never came into the presence of Jesus, yet she was convinced He was just. She is the only one who spoke for him. The blood of Jesus Christ could cleanse even those who shed it. It could cleanse Pilate, Caiaphas; the crowd who cried crucify Him, the soldiers who carried out the orders. Pilate knew that the blood was innocent, but he knew not the cleansing power of it.